JERUSALEM-(MaraviPost)-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally submitted a request to President Isaac Herzog seeking a pardon.
Netanyahu is currently facing a years-long corruption trial, making the request highly significant in the country’s political landscape.
The office of President Herzog described the pardon request as an “extraordinary request” with “significant implications” for Israel.
Netanyahu is the only sitting prime minister in Israel’s history to stand trial while in office.
He faces charges in three separate cases, including fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes.
So far, Netanyahu has denied all allegations and maintains his innocence.
In his appeal for a pardon, Netanyahu argued that the trial has deeply divided the nation and that a pardon would help restore national unity.
He also stated that frequent court appearances hinder his ability to effectively lead the country.
The pardon request follows weeks after US President Donald Trump publicly urged Israel to grant clemency to Netanyahu.
Trump wrote a letter to President Herzog, claiming that the prosecution against Netanyahu is “political” and “unjustified.”
Netanyahu’s opponents have strongly criticized the request, warning that granting it could undermine Israel’s democratic institutions and weaken the rule of law.
The presidential office is expected to carefully consider the request, weighing its legal, political, and social consequences before making a decision.
